What is a Wavemeter? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

DavidHunt · 11th Dec 2012, 11:18 am

I have just bought a wavemeter W1191A - mainly for the Lancaster association. I have no idea what it is or what it was for. I would be grateful for an elementary lesson.

David

Andrewausfa · 11th Dec 2012, 11:33 am

David,

Info here

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=10704

and lots more with schematics etc

http://www.pa3esy.nl/military/gb/air...et.html#schema

Andrew

G6Tanuki · 11th Dec 2012, 2:06 pm

Basically, it contains two oscilaltors: a crystal-controlled one and a variable one. There is also a mixer and an audio-amplifier.

The crystal-controlled osc generates reference signals that are used to calibrate the scale of the variable-frequency oscillator, by tuning for "zero beat" audio on a pair of headphones.

Then having established the accuracy of the variable oscillator against the crystal reference-points you tune it to the frequency you want to operate your TX/RX on, then you tune the RX until you hear the oscillator on the RX.

For transmitter tuning you switch the TX on, press transmit and listen on the wavemeter headphones - tune the transmitter until you hear the whistle of its signal beating against the wavemeter's calibrated oscillator.

G6Tanuki.

DavidHunt · 11th Dec 2012, 3:57 pm

Perfect - many thanks - I am illuminated

11th Dec 2012, 11:18 am	#1
DavidHunt Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cambridge. Posts: 25	What is a Wavemeter? I have just bought a wavemeter W1191A - mainly for the Lancaster association. I have no idea what it is or what it was for. I would be grateful for an elementary lesson. David

11th Dec 2012, 11:33 am	#2
Andrewausfa Octode Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,180	Re: What is a Wavemeter? David, Info here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=10704 and lots more with schematics etc http://www.pa3esy.nl/military/gb/air...et.html#schema Andrew __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life. Or they should do. BVWS Member

11th Dec 2012, 2:06 pm	#3
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: What is a Wavemeter? Basically, it contains two oscilaltors: a crystal-controlled one and a variable one. There is also a mixer and an audio-amplifier. The crystal-controlled osc generates reference signals that are used to calibrate the scale of the variable-frequency oscillator, by tuning for "zero beat" audio on a pair of headphones. Then having established the accuracy of the variable oscillator against the crystal reference-points you tune it to the frequency you want to operate your TX/RX on, then you tune the RX until you hear the oscillator on the RX. For transmitter tuning you switch the TX on, press transmit and listen on the wavemeter headphones - tune the transmitter until you hear the whistle of its signal beating against the wavemeter's calibrated oscillator. G6Tanuki.

11th Dec 2012, 3:57 pm	#4
DavidHunt Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cambridge. Posts: 25	Re: What is a Wavemeter? Perfect - many thanks - I am illuminated